Double end stud bolt and method of use

ABSTRACT

A system of connecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin using a stud bolt having a first threaded end, a second threaded end and a feature positioned between the first end and a second end. A sealing member is positioned over the first end of the stud bolt, which in one case is a metallic washer with an affixed compressible sealing member. The first end of the stud bolt is inserted into a hole in the sidewall and an inner nut is placed over the first end inside the sidewall. As the inner nut is tightened, the feature is pulled toward the exterior surface of the grain bin thereby causing the sealing member to form a seal with the exterior surface of the grain bin. The second end of the stud bolt is inserted into a hole in the stiffener which is tightened onto the stud bolt.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent and Trademark OfficeProvisional Application No. 62/438,289 which was filed on Dec. 22, 2016,the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to grain storage devices used in agriculture.More specifically and without limitation, this disclosure relates to adouble ended stud bolt system and method of use for installing externalstiffeners on the sidewall of grain bins.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Grain bins are massive structures used to store bulk flowable grainproducts such as corn, soybeans, wheat, rice, or any other grainproducts or other material. Conventional grain bins are generally formedin a cylindrical shape with a corrugated sidewall covered by a peakedroof. Grain bins vary in height (ranging from twenty feet high to over ahundred and fifty feet high), and diameter, (ranging from eighteen feetin diameter to over a hundred and fifty feet in diameter). The storagecapacity of modern grain bins can range anywhere from a few thousandbushels to well over a million bushels.

Grain bins are often used to store grain for long periods of time. Toensure the stability of bulk grain during long-term storage the moisturelevel of the grain is closely monitored and controlled. As an example,corn is often stored within the narrow range of 13% to 16% moisture. If,however, the moisture level exceeds certain limits, the grain willlikely spoil.

The spoilage of grain is obviously undesirable. Spoiled grain is adirect financial loss. Another problem associated with spoiled grain isthat the spoilage process has a tendency to form clumps within thegrain. Clumped grain often does not easily flow out of the grain bincausing a blockage in the flow of material out of the grain bin. Inaddition, clumped grain has a tendency to stick to the grain bin wallsand/or get stuck in grain handling equipment. As such, clumped grain cancause breakdowns, plugs and unloading problems. The cleaning and removalof clumped grain within a grain bin can be a difficult, time consumingand arduous task. It is for these and many other reasons that greatefforts are taken to prevent moisture from penetrating grain bins.

The growth in the size and sophistication of grain bin designs hascomplicated the process of sealing moisture out of grain bins. As anexample, many large commercial grain bins have sidewalls formed ofmultiple sheets of corrugated steel that are layered upon one another,or “laminated.” These laminated sheets provide additional strength andrigidity to the grain bin. However, these laminated sheets substantiallycomplicate the assembly process. In addition, these laminated sheetsmake it more complicated to prevent water from entering the grain bin aswater can travel between the laminated sheets and seep into the granbin.

Complicating matters further, many large sized commercial grain bins useexternal stiffeners to provide additional strength and rigidity to thegrain bin. An external stiffener is an elongated structural member thatgenerally extends vertically along a grain bin sidewall. Externalstiffeners can themselves be formed of a plurality of layers, meaningthat the external stiffeners themselves are “laminated.” These externalstiffeners are generally bolted to the exterior surface of the grain binsidewall. While these external stiffeners are successful at increasingthe strength of the grain bin, these stiffeners further complicate theassembly process. In addition, attaching external stiffeners to thegrain bin sidewall makes it more complicated to prevent water fromentering the grain bin as water can travel between the stiffener and thesidewall and into the grain bin if not sealed properly.

It is particularly difficult to seal the intersection between the inwardsurface of the stiffener and the exterior surface of the grain bin. Thisis especially true just below the intersection between rings where theupper ring hangs over a portion of the lower ring thereby forming astep. This step makes it difficult if not impossible to draw theinterior surface of the stiffener against the exterior surface of thegrain bin to provide a seal. When a gap is left between the interiorsurface of the stiffener and the exterior surface of the grain bin waterhas a tendency to find its way through this unsealed intersection andinto the grain bin along the shaft of the bolt connecting the stiffenerto the sidewall.

Conventionally, bolts used to connect a stiffener to a grain bin areinserted from the interior of the grain bin outward through the sidewalland through the stiffener thereby connecting the stiffener to thesidewall. Conventionally, the head of these bolts are sealed against theinterior surface of the interior layer of the laminated sheet that formsthe sidewall. Sealing the head of these bolts against the interiorsurface of the interior layer of the laminated sheet that forms thesidewall does not prevent water from entering the grain bin. Instead,sealing the head of these bolts against the interior surface of theinterior layer of the laminated sheet that forms the sidewall forces thewater to travel between the layers of the laminated sheets, which is, inand of itself, undesirable as water between the layers of the laminatedsheet is likely to promote inter-layer corrosion and reduce thelongevity and useful life of the grain bin.

Over time, at least a portion of the water between the layers of thelaminated sheets tends to seep into the grain bin by exiting an edge ofthe laminated sheet that is positioned within the grain bin. Thismoisture then causes spoilage of the grain in the area around the leakwhich is undesirable.

Therefore, for all the reasons stated above, and the reasons statedbelow, there is a need in the art for an improved manner of connecting astiffener to the sidewall of a bin that prevents moisture from enteringthe grain bin.

Thus, it is a primary object of the disclosure to provide a system ofconnecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a bin that improves upon thestate of the art.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system of connecting astiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that prevents water fromseeping into the grain bin.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system ofconnecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that is easy touse.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system of connecting astiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that provides a seal againstthe exterior surface of the sidewall of the grain bin regardless whethera gap is present between the stiffener and the sidewall.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system ofconnecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that has a longuseful life.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system of connecting astiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that is durable.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system ofconnecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that is easy tomanufacture.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system of connecting astiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that is relatively inexpensive.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system ofconnecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that has a robustdesign.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system of connecting astiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that is high quality.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system ofconnecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that is easy toinstall.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system of connecting astiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that can be installed usingconventional equipment and tools.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system ofconnecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that reduces orprevents water from getting between the layers of a laminated sidewall.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system of connecting astiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that reduces grain spoilage.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system ofconnecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that reduces grainbin corrosion.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system of connecting astiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that reduces clumping of grainwithin a grain bin.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system ofconnecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that can be usedwith any grain bin.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system of connecting astiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that can be used with anystiffener.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system ofconnecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that extends theuseful life of a grain bin.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system ofconnecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that facilitates asecure connection between the sidewall of the grain bin and thestiffener.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system ofconnecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin that provides anew and improved manner of assembling an externally stiffened grain bin

These and other objects, features, or advantages of the disclosure willbecome apparent from the specification, figures and claims.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A system of connecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin usinga double end stud bolt having a first threaded end, a second threadedend and a feature positioned between the first end and a second end ispresented. A sealing member is positioned over the first end of the studbolt, which in one case is a metallic washer with an affixedcompressible member, such as a rubber, plastic, composite or otherwasher formed of a non-metallic or other material that facilitates aseal. The first end of the stud bolt is inserted into a hole in thesidewall and an inner nut is placed over the first end inside thesidewall. As the inner nut is tightened, the feature is pulled towardthe exterior surface of the grain bin thereby causing the sealing memberto form a seal with the exterior surface of the grain bin. The secondend of the stud bolt is inserted into a hole in a stiffener and an outernut is placed over the second end on the exterior side of the stiffener.As the outer nut is tightened, the stiffener is pulled toward theexterior surface of the grain bin thereby connecting the stiffener tothe grain bin. This arrangement provides the advantage of forming adurable, repeatable, long term, and robust seal between the sealingmember and the exterior surface of the sidewall of the grain binregardless of whether the interior surface of the stiffener engages theexterior surface of the grain bin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a an elevation view of an externally stiffened grain bin; theview showing the grain bin having a sidewall formed of a plurality ofsheets that are connected to one another at seams that form rings; theview showing a plurality of rings vertically stacked upon one another toform the sidewall; the view showing stiffeners extending the length ofthe sidewall; the view showing the stiffeners extending the length ofthe sidewall in a position wherein the stiffeners do not overlap withthe seams between adjacent sheets of a ring;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a section of a grain bin sidewall;the view showing a plurality of sheets in staggered overlappingcondition; the view showing the plurality of sheets connected to oneanother at seams at their side edges using sidewall bolts that areconventional bolts having a head and a threaded shaft that are insertedfrom the outside of the grain bin through the sidewall; the view showingthe plurality of sheets forming a plurality of rings that are verticallystacked upon one another to form the sidewall; the view showing lines ofstud bolts extending outward from the sidewall spaced away from theseams between adjacent sheets, wherein the lines of stud bolts areconfigured to receive and hold and affix a stiffener to the exteriorsurface of the sidewall of the grain bin;

FIG. 3 is an exploded top elevation view of a ring of a grain bin; theview showing a plurality of sheets in exploded overlapping conditionprior to assembly; the view showing the sheets extending betweenopposing side edges, wherein one side edge of each sheet is positionedinward of the side edge of one adjacent sheet and the other side edge ofeach sheet is positioned outward of the other adjacent sheet therebyforming an interior side edge and an exterior side on each sheet; theoverlapping portion of adjacent sheets form a seam that is connectedtogether using sidewall bolts;

FIG. 3A is a close up exploded elevation view of a portion of the ringshown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a section of grain binsidewall; the view showing a plurality of sheets in staggeredoverlapping condition prior to assembly; the view showing the interiorsurface of the sidewall; the view showing adjacent sheets overlapping atseams and connected together using sidewall bolts;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a section of grain binsidewall; the view showing a plurality of sheets in staggeredoverlapping condition prior to assembly; the view showing sheets formedof two layers in a laminated condition; the view showing rows of holesthat are configured to receive stud bolts therein for the attachment ofstiffeners on either side of the seams;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a seam between three laminatedsheets of grain bin sidewall; the view showing the three sheets inspaced separation from one another; the view showing splice plates inspaced relation to be assembled over the seams on the interior andexterior surface of the sidewall; the view showing rows of holes thatare configured to receive stud bolts therein for the attachment ofstiffeners on either side of the seams and splice plates;

FIG. 7A is an elevation view of a section of grain bin sidewall; theview showing an external stiffener attached to the exterior surface ofthe grain bin sidewall;

FIG. 7B is a close up elevation view of a section of grain bin sidewallshown in FIG. 7A; the view showing an external stiffener attached to theexterior surface of the grain bin sidewall;

FIG. 8A is a side cut-away elevation view of a prior art sidewall of agrain bin with a stiffener connected to the exterior surface of thesidewall; the view also showing two rings overlapping one anotherthereby forming a step below the seam; the view showing sidewall boltsextending from the interior of the grain bin outward through thesidewall and through the stiffener; the view showing a gap between theexterior surface of the sidewall and the interior surface of thestiffener on the two sidewall bolts positioned just below the stepthereby exposing a portion of the threads of these sidewall bolts thatprovide water an access point into the grain bin;

FIG. 8B is a side cut-away elevation view of the improved sidewall of agrain bin with a stiffener connected to the exterior surface of thesidewall using stud bolts; the view also showing two rings overlappingone another thereby forming a step below the seam; the view showing studbolts extending from the exterior surface of the grain bin sidewallinward through the sidewall and attaching to an inner nut within thegrain bin; the view showing stud bolts extending outward from theexterior surface of the grain bin sidewall and through the stiffener;the view showing no gap between the exterior surface of the sidewall andthe interior surface of a feature of the stud bolt positioned betweenthe stiffener and the sidewall thereby sealing the exterior surface ofthe grain bin sidewall regardless of a space between the interiorsurface of the stiffener and the exterior surface of the sidewall;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a prior art section of grain binsidewall; the view showing a stiffener connected to the exterior surfaceof the grain bin sidewall and another stiffener about to be installed onthe grain bin sidewall using sidewall bolts that are extended from theinterior of the grain bin outward through the sidewall and through thestiffener; the view showing outer nuts that are configured to connect tothe threaded end of sidewall bolts after the stiffener is placed overthe sidewall bolts;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a section of the improved grain binsidewall; the view showing a stiffener connected to the exterior surfaceof the grain bin sidewall and another stiffener about to be installed onthe grain bin sidewall using stud bolts that have a first threaded endthat extends through the grain bin sidewall and a second threaded endthat extends through the stiffener and a feature positioned between thefirst threaded end and the second threaded end that is positionedbetween the stiffener and the sidewall of the grain bin; the viewshowing an inner nut positioned over the first threaded end of the studbolt inside of the grain bin and an outer nut positioned over the secondthreaded end after the second threaded end is extended through thestiffener; the view showing no gap between the exterior surface of thesidewall and the interior surface of a feature of the stud boltpositioned between the stiffener and the sidewall thereby sealing theexterior surface of the grain bin sidewall regardless of a space betweenthe interior surface of the stiffener and the exterior surface of thesidewall;

FIG. 10 is a side cut-away elevation view of the sidewall of a grainbin; the view showing two rings overlapping one another; the viewshowing two 7/16″ stud bolts connecting an external stiffener to theexterior surface of the grain bin; the view showing a single twelvegauge stiffener and two layers of thirteen gauge sidewall material in alaminated state; the view showing a sealing member compressed betweenthe feature, which in this case is a hex-head feature, and the exteriorsurface of the grain bin sidewall thereby forming a seal regardlesswhether a gap is between the interior surface of the stiffener and theexterior surface of the sidewall; the view showing a gap between theinterior surface of the stiffener and the exterior surface of thefeature of the lower stud bolt;

FIG. 11 is a side cut-away elevation view of the sidewall of a grainbin; the view showing two rings overlapping one another; the viewshowing two 7/16″ stud bolts connecting an external stiffener to theexterior surface of the grain bin; the view showing a two overlappingtwo gauge stiffeners and two layers of eight gauge sidewall material ina laminated state; the view showing a sealing member compressed betweenthe feature, which in this case is a hex-head feature, and the exteriorsurface of the grain bin sidewall thereby forming a seal regardlesswhether a gap is between the interior surface of the stiffener and theexterior surface of the sidewall; the view showing a gap between theinterior surface of the stiffener and the exterior surface of thefeature of the lower stud bolt;

FIG. 12 is a side cut-away elevation view of the sidewall of a grainbin; the view showing two rings overlapping one another; the viewshowing two ½″ stud bolts connecting an external stiffener to theexterior surface of the grain bin; the view showing a two overlappingten gauge stiffeners and three layers of eleven gauge sidewall materialin a laminated state; the view showing a sealing member compressedbetween the feature, which in this case is a hex-head feature, and theexterior surface of the grain bin sidewall thereby forming a sealregardless whether a gap is between the interior surface of thestiffener and the exterior surface of the sidewall; the view showing agap between the interior surface of the stiffener and the exteriorsurface of the feature of the lower stud bolt;

FIG. 13 is a side cut-away elevation view of the sidewall of a grainbin; the view showing two rings overlapping one another; the viewshowing two ½″ stud bolts connecting an external stiffener to theexterior surface of the grain bin; the view showing a two overlappingtwo gauge stiffeners and four layers of eight gauge sidewall material ina laminated state; the view showing a sealing member compressed betweenthe feature, which in this case is a hex-head feature, and the exteriorsurface of the grain bin sidewall thereby forming a seal regardlesswhether a gap is between the interior surface of the stiffener and theexterior surface of the sidewall; the view showing a gap between theinterior surface of the stiffener and the exterior surface of thefeature of the lower stud bolt;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of a stud bolt having a first threadedend and a second threaded end and a feature positioned between firstthreaded end and a second threaded end, the feature having a hexagonalor hex-head shape; the view showing the feature formed as part of thestud bolt in a unitary and monolithic manner;

FIG. 15 is an end elevation view of a stud bolt having a first threadedend and a second threaded end and a feature positioned between firstthreaded end and a second threaded end, the feature having a hexagonalor hex-head shape;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a stud bolt having a first threaded endand a second threaded end and a feature positioned between firstthreaded end and a second threaded end, the feature having a hexagonalor hex-head shape; the view showing the feature formed as part of thestud bolt in a unitary and monolithic manner;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of a stud bolt having a first threadedend and a second threaded end and a feature positioned between firstthreaded end and a second threaded end, wherein the feature is a step orshoulder; the view also showing a rotation member positioned in an endof the stud bolt, the rotation member having a circular shape withopposing flat sides; the view showing the feature formed as part of thestud bolt in a unitary and monolithic manner; the view showing the firstthreaded end having a smaller diameter than the second threaded end;

FIG. 18 is an end elevation view of a stud bolt having a first threadedend and a second threaded end and a feature positioned between firstthreaded end and a second threaded end, wherein the feature is a step orshoulder; the view also showing a rotation member positioned in an endof the stud bolt, the rotation member having a circular shape withopposing flat sides; the view showing the first threaded end having asmaller diameter than the second threaded end;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a stud bolt having a first threaded endand a second threaded end and a feature positioned between firstthreaded end and a second threaded end, wherein the feature is a step orshoulder; the view also showing a rotation member positioned in an endof the stud bolt, the rotation member having a circular shape withopposing flat sides; the view showing the feature formed as part of thestud bolt in a unitary and monolithic manner; the view showing the firstthreaded end having a smaller diameter than the second threaded end;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of a stud bolt having a first threadedend and a second threaded end and a feature positioned between firstthreaded end and a second threaded end, the feature having a circularshape with opposing flat sides; the view showing the feature formed aspart of the stud bolt in a unitary and monolithic manner;

FIG. 21 is an end elevation view of a stud bolt having a first threadedend and a second threaded end and a feature positioned between firstthreaded end and a second threaded end, the feature having a circularshape with opposing flat sides;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a stud bolt having a first threaded endand a second threaded end and a feature positioned between firstthreaded end and a second threaded end, the feature having a circularshape with opposing flat sides; the view showing the feature formed aspart of the stud bolt in a unitary and monolithic manner;

FIG. 23 is a top elevation view of a stiffener, the view showing thecenter wall, side members, forward wall, tabs and holes of thestiffener.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and thatmechanical, procedural, and other changes may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the disclosure(s). The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope of the disclosure(s) is defined only by the appended claims, alongwith the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

As used herein, the terminology such as vertical, horizontal, top,bottom, front, back, end, sides, left, right, and the like arereferenced according to the views, pieces, parts, components and figurespresented. It should be understood, however, that the terms are usedonly for purposes of description, and are not intended to be used aslimitations. Accordingly, orientation of an object or a combination ofobjects may change without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

With reference to the figures, a double ended stud bolt system 10(system 10) is presented that includes a stud bolt 12 that is used toinstall a stiffener 14 onto a sidewall 16 of a grain bin 18, as isfurther described herein.

Grain Bin:

In the arrangement shown, double ended stud bolt system 10 is used inassociation with a grain bin 18. Grain bin 18 may be formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and is configured to hold a bulk amountof flowable material such as grain or the like materials. In onearrangement, as is shown, grain bin 18 is a large, generally cylindricalstructure that has a curved sidewall 16. Sidewall 16 connects at itslower end to a foundation 20. Sidewall 16 connects at its upper end to apeaked roof 22.

Sidewall 16 of grain bin 18 is formed of any suitable size, shape anddesign. In one arrangement, as is shown, sidewall 16 is formed of aplurality of sheets 24 of material. Sheets 24 have an upper edge 26, alower edge 28 and side edges 30. Sheets 24 have in exterior surface 32and interior surface 34. In the arrangement shown, these sheets 24 areformed of corrugated material. That is, when sheets 24 are viewed fromtheir side edge 30, the sheets 24 have a repetitive oscillating curvethat smoothly transitions between rounded peaks and rounded valleys,similar to that of a sine-wave or sine-function. This corrugationprovides strength and rigidity to the sidewall 16 however thecorrugation provides a number of challenges, such as manufacturingcomplexities and preventing water from infiltrating the grain bin 18.Any other configuration of sidewall 16 and more broadly grain bin 18, ishereby contemplated for use in association with stiffener 14 and studbolt 12.

Sheets 24 of sidewall 16 may be formed of a single layer of material.Alternatively, to increase the strength and rigidity of the sidewall 16a plurality of sheets 24 may be laid over one another thereby formingwhat is known as a “laminated” sheet 24 or sidewall 16. Laminated sheets24 may include two, three, four, five or any other number of layers.

In one arrangement, as is shown, sheets 24 curve slightly from side edge30 to side edge 30 such that each sheet 24 forms a partial portion of acylinder. In this arrangement, a plurality of sheets 24 are connectedtogether in side-to-side arrangement to form what is known as a ring 36.With reference to FIG. 3, each ring 36 is formed of a plurality ofsheets 24 connected together with each sheet 24 having one side edge 30positioned inside of an adjacent sheet 24 and the opposite side edge 30positioned outside of the other adjacent sheet 24. As an example, whenmoving in a clockwise direction, the first side edge 30 of a sheet 24 ispositioned on the interior side of the prior sheet 24 whereas the secondside edge 30 of a sheet is positioned on the exterior side of the nextsheet 24. Adjacent sheets 24 are connected together using a plurality ofsidewall bolts 38 that extend through the overlapping portion ofadjacent sheets 24.

In one arrangement, as is shown, rings 36 are vertically stacked to formsidewall 16. Rings 36 are stacked in such a manner that the lower edge28 of the sheets 24 of the upper-positioned ring 36 is positioned on theoutside of the upper edge 26 of the sheets 24 of the lower-positionedring 36. The vertically adjacent sheets 24 are then connected togetherusing a plurality of sidewall bolts 38 that extend through theoverlapping portion of the vertically adjacent sheets 24.

By overlapping the vertically stacked rings 36 in this manner this formsa step 40 where the exterior surface 32 at the lower edge 28 of theupper positioned sheet 24 is spaced outward a distance “D” from theexterior surface 32 of lower positioned sheet 24. This distance “D” isequivalent to the thickness of sheet 24. The thicker the sheet 24, thegreater the distance “D” of step 40. This step 40 helps to shed waterrunning down the exterior surface 32 of sidewall 16. By positioning thelower edge 28 of the sheets 24 of the upper-positioned ring 36 on theoutside of the upper edge 26 of the sheets 24 of the lower-positionedring 36 this serves much like shingles of a roof and water on theexterior surface of the grain bin 18 under the force of gravity runsdown the sidewall 16 and has a limited the opportunity to infiltrate thelayers of sheets 24. However, this step 40 provides a problem whenattaching a stiffener 14 to the exterior surface 32 of the sidewall 16,as is further described herein.

While rings 36 are vertically stacked, to provide maximum strength, inone arrangement care is taken to offset the seams 42 formed by theoverlapping sides edges 30 of adjacent sheets 24. With reference to FIG.2, these seams 42 are positioned in what is known as a bricklayer'spattern wherein the seams 42 of each vertically stacked ring 36 areoffset a predetermined amount from the seams 42 of the ring 36positioned immediately above and below. However any other arrangement ishereby contemplated for use. As is also shown in FIG. 2, in onearrangement, as one example, stiffeners 14 are connected to sidewall 16offset from seams 42. In this arrangement, where seams 42 and stiffeners14 are offset, sidewall bolts 38 are used to connect adjacent sheets 24at seams 42 as well as connect adjacent rings 36, whereas stud bolts 12are used to attach stiffeners 14. Attaching stiffeners 42 to sidewall 16at locations other than seams 42 avoids the added thickness andcomplexity of attaching a stiffener 14 where adjacent sheets 24 overlap.This is especially true when splice plates 43 are used over seams 42.Splice plates 43 are narrow sections of material that mirror the shapeof sidewall 16 and are attached over seams 42 where the side edges 30 ofsheets 24 are butted against one another. In the arrangement shown, inFIG. 6, a pair of splice plates 43 are placed on the interior surface 34and exterior surface 32 of sheets 24 and are attached using sidewallbolts 38. In this arrangement, stiffeners 14 are attached using studbolts 12 along side seams 42.

Once sidewall 16 of grain bin 18 is formed, stiffeners 14 are attached.

Stiffeners:

Stiffeners 14 are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and areconfigured to be attached to the exterior surface 32 of the sidewall 16of grain bin 18 and provide additional strength and rigidity to sidewall16. As such, stiffener 14 is any structural element that is affixed tothe sidewall 16 of grain bin 18 that enhances the strength and/orrigidity of the sidewall 16.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, stiffeners 14 extend a lengthfrom an upper edge 44 to a lower edge 46, which in the arrangement shownin FIG. 1 coincides with the upper edge of the upper-most ring 36 andthe lower edge of the lower-most ring 36, however any otherconfiguration is hereby contemplated for use. Stiffeners 14 can extendthe entire length/height of sidewall 16, such as that shown in FIG. 1,or alternatively, stiffeners 14 can extend any portion of sidewall 16.In the arrangement shown, stiffeners 14 provide strength and rigidity tograin bin 18 in-part by extending across multiple rings 36.

As one example, as is shown, stiffeners 14 have in exterior surface 48,that faces outward and away from the exterior surface of sidewall 16 ofgrain bin 18, and an interior surface 50 that faces inward and towardthe sidewall 16 of grain bin 18. In the example shown, stiffener 14includes a center wall 52, opposing side members 54, forward walls 56and tabs 58. Center wall 52 is generally flat and planar and extendsfrom upper edge 44 to lower edge 46, or a distance thereof. Center wall52 includes a plurality of vertically spaced holes 60 positionedapproximately at its center. These holes 60 are configured to receive aportion of stud bolt 12 there through to facilitate attachment of thestiffener 14 to the sidewall 16 of grain bin 18 as is further describedherein.

As one example, as is shown the outward edges of center wall 52 areconnected to opposing side members 54. Like center wall 52, side members54 are generally flat and planar and extend from upper edge 44 to loweredge 46, or a distance thereof. Side members 54 connect at theirrearward edge 62 to the outward edge of center wall 52, and connect attheir forward edge 64 to the inward edge of forward wall 56. Sidemembers 54 extend outward at an angle away from one another (and awayfrom center wall 52) as they extend from center wall 52 to forward wall56.

The forward edges 64 of side members 54 are connected to the inwardedges of forward walls 56. Like center wall 52, forward walls 56 aregenerally flat and planar and extend from upper edge 44 to lower edge46, or a distance thereof In the arrangement shown, opposing forwardwalls 56 are positioned in approximate planar spaced relation to oneanother, and forward walls 56 are positioned in approximate parallelspaced relation to center wall 52. Forward walls 56 connect at theiroutward edges 66 to the forward edge of tabs 58.

As one example, as is shown the forward edges of tabs 58 connect to theoutward edges 66 of tabs 58. Like center wall 52, tabs 58 are generallyflat and planar and extend from upper edge 44 to lower edge 46, or adistance thereof. In the arrangement shown, tabs 58 extend outward at anangle away from one another (and away from center wall 52 whileextending toward sidewall 16) as they extend from their forward edgebefore terminating at their rearward edge 68.

In this way, the combination of center wall 52, side members 54, forwardwalls 56 and tabs 58 form a structural element that provides additionalstrength and rigidity when connected the sidewall 16 of grain bin 18.When viewed from above or below, the combination of center wall 52, sidemembers 54, forward walls 56 and tabs 58 essentially form corrugation,like that of sidewall 16 of grain bin 18 that provides strength andrigidity. While stiffener 14 is shown having center wall 52, sidemembers 54, forward walls 56 and tabs 58, this is just one of countlessexamples for the design of stiffener 14, and any other features orcombination of features are hereby contemplated for use with stiffener14.

Like sheets 24 of sidewall 16 of grain bin 18, stiffener 14 may beformed of a plurality of layers, or “laminated” to provide additionalstrength and rigidity. In addition, just as the sidewall 16 is formed ofa plurality of sheets 24, stiffeners 14 that extend the length ofsidewall 16 may be formed of a plurality of sections that are connectedtogether in end-to-end connection and/or in overlapping condition.

Conventional Attachment of Stiffener to Sidewall:

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, conventionally, stiffener 14 isattached to the exterior surface 32 of sidewall 16 of grain bin 18 byinserting a conventional sidewall bolt 38 having a head and a threadedshaft from the interior surface 34 of sidewall 16, through sidewall 16and through a hole in stiffener 14. A nut is then placed on the outwardend of the threaded shaft of the sidewall bolt 38 on the exterior ofsidewall 16 and stiffener 14. This nut is then tightened against theexterior surface 48 of stiffener 14. Upon tightening, the head of thissidewall bolt 38 seals against the interior surface 34 of sidewall 16.In some arrangements a sealing member, such as a compressible washer,may be placed between the head of the sidewall bolt 38 and the interiorsurface 34 of sidewall 16. In this arrangement, the sealing member formsthe seal between the head of sidewall bolt 38 and interior surface 34 ofsidewall 16.

However, when laminated sheets 24 are used, sealing the head of thissidewall bolt 38 to the interior surface 34 of grain bin 18 does notprevent water from entering the grain bin 18. Instead, this merelyforces water that travels along the shaft of this sidewall bolt 38 to bediverted into the space between layers of the laminated sheet 24. Someof this water finds its way out the lower edge 28 of the sheet 24 (whichis positioned in front of the upper edge 44 of the adjacent lower ring36), and therefore not into the interior of the grain bin 18. Some ofthis water also finds its way out of the exterior positioned side edge30E (which is positioned in front of the adjacent sheet 24 in the samering 36), and therefore this water does not enter into the interior ofthe grain bin 18. However, some of this water finds its way out of theinterior positioned side edge 301 (which is positioned in behind theadjacent sheet 24 in the same ring 36), and therefore this water entersinto the interior of the grain bin 18. This interior positioned sideedge 301 may be referred to as the “leaking edge” or “seeping edge” oflaminated sheet 24 of rings 36 of sidewall 16.

This problem is particularly prevalent, or is exacerbated, where a spaceis present between the interior surface 50 of stiffener 14 and theexterior surface 32 of sidewall 16 even after tightening the nut againstthe exterior surface 48 of center wall 52 of stiffener 14. Such a spaceis often present just below the step 40 between rings 36 in sidewall 16as in these places the stiffener 14 cannot be drawn tight against thesidewall 16 of grain bin 18. The exposed shaft of the sidewall bolt 38and the associated un-sealed hole in the exterior surface 32 of sidewall16 provides a path for water to enter into the laminated sheet 24. Thisarrangement is shown in FIG. 8A wherein the two sidewall bolts 38positioned just below the step 40 between overlapping rings 36 have anexposed portion of the shaft of sidewall bolts 38 between the interiorsurface 52 of stiffener 14 and the exterior surface 32 of sidewall 16.

The arrangement presented herein using stud bolt 12, resolves thisproblem.

Stud Bolt:

Stud bolt 12 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and isconfigured to tighten against the exterior surface 32 of sidewall 16 ofgrain bin 18 while also pulling stiffener 14 into firm engagement withthe sidewall 16 of grain bin 18. The use of stud bolt 12 ensures that aseal is formed with the exterior surface 32 of sidewall 16 of grain bin18 regardless of whether the interior surface 50 of stiffener 14 can bedrawn tight against the exterior surface 32 of sidewall 16 of grain bin18.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, stud bolt 12 is a generallycylindrical elongated member having a first threaded end 70 and a secondthreaded end 72. First threaded end 70 and second threaded end 72 arepositioned in coaxial alignment with one another. That is, the centeraxis of rotation of first threaded end 70 and second threaded end 72 arein alignment with one another, despite the fact that the diameters orshapes or features of the first threaded end 70 and second threaded end72 may differ. In the arrangement shown, a feature 74 is positionedbetween the first threaded end 70 and the second threaded end 72. Firstthreaded end 70 and second threaded end 72 may have the same diameter,or different diameters. First threaded end 70 and second threaded end 72may have the same length, or different lengths. First threaded end 70and second threaded end 72 may have the same threads, or differentthreads.

Feature 74 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. Feature 74serves to engage the exterior surface 32 of sidewall 16 of grain bin 18as the first threaded end 70 is tightened against the sidewall 16.Feature 74 may be formed of that same material as that of the firstthreaded end 70 and/or second threaded end 72 in a monolithic or unitarystructure, such as being formed through a machining process or castingprocess or the like manufacturing process. Alternatively, feature 74 maybe a separate component to the shaft formed by first threaded end 70 andsecond threaded end 72 that is affixed thereto by a secondary process toform a unitary member, such as through a welding process, a pinningprocess, a bolting process, an adhering process, a gluing process or byany other process that results in a permanent or semi-permanentconnection between a separate feature 74 and the shaft formed by firstthreaded end 70 and second threaded end 72. Alternatively, feature 74may be attached to the first threaded end 70 and/or the second threadedend 74 while being moveable along all or a portion of the length of thestud bolt 12. In one arrangement, this is accomplished by feature 74being a nut or other member that is threaded over first threaded end 70and/or second threaded end 72. Alternatively, any combination of theabove is contemplated for use.

With reference to FIGS. 14-16, as one example of a stud bolt 12, feature74 is formed of a hexagonal, or hex-head member that is positionedapproximately in the middle of stud bolt 12 between first threaded end70 and second threaded end 72, which are of approximately the samelength, diameter and thread. The use of a hex-head member for feature 74allows for the use of a conventional deep socket or wrench during theassembly process to hold or rotate the stud bolt 12. In an alternativearrangement, the length of the first threaded end 70 and second threadedend 72 vary such that feature is not positioned in the approximatemiddle of the stud bolt 12. In an alternative arrangement, the firstthreaded end 70 and second threaded end 72 vary in diameter, such thatone end has a larger diameter than the other end. In an alternativearrangement, the first threaded end 70 and second threaded end 72 havedifferent threads. Any other differences between the first threaded end70 and second threaded end 72 are hereby contemplated for use.

In one arrangement, as is shown, in FIGS. 14-16, feature 74 is formed ofas a unitary and monolithic member with the shaft formed by firstthreaded end 70 and second threaded end 72 such that the feature 74 isnon-moveable along the length of stud bolt 12. In an alternativearrangement, feature 74 is threaded onto shaft formed by first threadedend 70 and/or second threaded end 72 or otherwise connected in amoveable manner. In an alternative arrangement, feature 74 is a separatemember from the shaft formed by first threaded end 70 and/or secondthreaded end 72 and is affixed by a secondary process to form a unitarymember, such as through a welding process, a pinning process, a boltingprocess, an adhering process, a gluing process or by any other processthat results in a permanent or semi-permanent connection between aseparate feature 74 and the shaft formed by first threaded end 70 and/orsecond threaded end 72

With reference to FIGS. 17-19, as another example of a stud bolt 12,feature 74 is formed of a step or shoulder positioned between a smallerdiameter first threaded end 70 and a larger diameter second threaded end72. Also shown in this example is a rotation member 76 positioned in theend of the second threaded end 72. Rotation member 76 is any feature ordevice that allows for the stud bolt 12 to be grasped and rotation to beimparted on the stud bolt 12. In the arrangement shown, as one example,rotation member 76 is generally cylindrical in shape and has a diameterslightly smaller than the diameter of the second threaded end 72. Thisrotation member 76 includes a pair of flat surfaces 78 on opposing sidesof the rotation member 76. These flat surfaces 78 allow for a wrench orother tool to grasp the rotation member 76 and impart torque there on.This can be useful during the installation process. It is herebycontemplated for use that rotation member 76 can take on any other form,such as a hex-head member, a square head member, a recessed hexagonalsocket, a recessed square socket, a recessed flat head feature thatreceives a flat head screw driver, a recessed Philips head feature thatreceives a Phillips head screw driver, a slot, a pair of crossed slots,or any other feature that can be used to impart rotation. In thisarrangement, when the first threaded end 70 is inserted within sidewall16, the second threaded end 72 and the rotation member 76 extend outwardfrom the sidewall 16 thereby facilitating easy access to the rotationmember 76. In this arrangement, once the first threaded end 70 isinserted into the sidewall 16 of grain bin 18, a tool grasps therotation member 76 thereby imparting rotation on stud bolt 12 orpreventing rotation of stud bolt 12.

While in the arrangement shown, in FIGS. 17-19, rotation member 76 isshown as positioned on one end of the stud bolt 12, it is herebycontemplated that rotation member 76 may be placed on either end or bothends of the stud bolt 12, or along the length of stud bolt 12.

With reference to FIGS. 20-22, as another example of a stud bolt 12,feature 74 is formed of a generally circular or cylindrical flangemember that is positioned between first threaded end 70 and secondthreaded end 72, with the first threaded end 70 and the second threadedend 72 having approximately the same diameter and thread. However, thesecond threaded end 72 is longer than the first threaded end 70 in thisexample. In the arrangement shown, the feature 74 has a generallycylindrical or disc-shaped design with a pair of opposing flat surfaces80 positioned on opposite sides of the feature 74. These flat surfaces80 allow for a wrench or other tool to grasp the feature 74 and imparttorque there on. This can be useful during the installation process tofacilitate holding the stud bolt 12 in place or to impart rotation uponstud bolt 12.

Stud bolt 12 can be formed of any other suitable size, shape and design.Stud bolt 12 is used to tighten a sealing member 82 against the exteriorsurface 32 and/or interior surface 34 of sidewall 16 of grain bin 18thereby forming a seal against sidewall 16. Stud bolt 12 may be formedof any combination of any or all of the configurations or featuresmentioned herein.

Sealing Member:

Sealing member 82 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design andis configured to form a seal against the exterior surface 32 and/orinterior surface 34 of sidewall 16 of grain bin 18 to thereby preventwater from entering the interior of grain bin 18. Sealing member 82 isany device that forms a seal, such as a compressible washer, an O-ring,a gasket, a sealing adhesive layer, a compressible member, a flangegasket, or the like. Sealing member 82 may be formed of any compressiblematerial that is capable of forming a seal with the exterior surface 32and/or interior surface 34 of sidewall 16, such as rubber, plastic,composite, nylon washer, neoprene, a poly, or any other compressiblematerial and/or combination thereof.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, sealing member 82 includes arigid washer 84 and a compressible member 86 that fit around the firstthreaded end 70 of the stud bolt 12. In one arrangement, rigid washer 84and compressible member 86 are separate and unattached components. Inanother arrangement, rigid washer 84 and compressible member 86 areadhered or connected to one another and/or formed as a single component,which reduces assembly steps and reduces the potential that thecomponents will be unintentionally separated from one another during orprior to the installation process.

In another arrangement, the rigid washer 84 is eliminated and thefeature 74 serves as the rigid washer 84 that forces the compressiblemember 86 into engagement with the exterior surface 32 and/or interiorsurface 34 of the sidewall 16 of grain bin 18. In yet anotherarrangement, the rigid washer 84 is formed as part of the feature 74 andthe compressible member 86 is either a separate piece from this combinedfeature 74 and rigid washer 84, or is adhered to or connected to orformed as part of this combined feature 74 and rigid washer 84. That is,in one arrangement, feature 74 is a hex-shaped, or other shaped, memberlike many conventional nuts with an extended flange or washer formed aspart of one end of the feature 74; this feature 74 with the combinedflange or washer may be formed as part of the stud bolt 12 or it may beadded as a separate nut-type member that is placed on the stud bolt 12.In one arrangement, feature 74 includes a recess therein, such as agroove that facilitates connection to compressible member 86, such asreceiving a compressible O-ring therein or receiving a flange of agasket therein that holds the compressible member 86 to the feature 74.

In Operation:

In one arrangement, sidewall 16 of grain bin 18 is assembled byconnecting sheets, 24, which may be laminated sheets formed of aplurality of layers, in edge-to-edge alignment to form rings 36. Thisarrangement is shown in FIG. 3 wherein one side edge 30 of sheet 24 ispositioned behind an adjacent sheet 24 making this side edge 30 theinterior side edge 301, whereas the opposite side edge 30 of sheet 24 ispositioned in front of the other adjacent sheet 24 making this side edge30 the exterior side edge 30E. In one arrangement, as is shown, rings 36are formed by inserting side sidewall bolts 38 through the sheets 24which when tightened the head and sealing member of the sidewall bolt 38forms a seal with the exterior surface 32 of the sheet. As the rings 36are formed, care is taken to ensure that the lower edge 28 of sheets 24of an upper-positioned ring 36 is positioned outside of the upper edge26 of sheets 24 of the lower-positioned ring 36 at which point sidewallbolts 38 are inserted through the overlapping sheets 24 which whentightened the head and sealing member of the sidewall bolt 38 forms aseal with the exterior surface 32 of the sheet. Care is also taken whenassembling vertically adjacent rings to ensure that the seams 42 ofvertically adjacent rings 36 are offset from one another. Typically,grain bin 18 is assembled in a top-down manner with the assembly of roof22 followed by the assembly of consecutive rings 36.

Once some or all of the rings 36 are assembled, stiffeners 14 are addedto the exterior surface 32 of sidewall 16 using stud bolts 12. If studbolts 12 are not pre-assembled with sealing member 82, which may beformed of a rigid washer 84 and a compressible member 86 thereon, thesealing member 82 is placed on the first threaded end 70 of stud bolts12. Assembled stud bolts 12 are then installed on the sidewall 16. Thefirst threaded end 70 of the stud bolt 12 is inserted into a hole in thesidewall 16. Next, an inner nut 88 is threaded onto the end of the firstthreaded end 70 of the stud bolt 12 on the inside of sidewall 16 withingrain bin 18. The inner nut 88 is then tightened against the interiorsurface 34 of the sidewall 16 thereby pulling the feature 74 of the studbolt 12 toward the exterior surface 32 of the sidewall 16. As the innernut 88 is tightened, the feature 74 forces the sealing member 82 intotight frictional engagement with the exterior surface 32 of sidewall 16thereby forming a water tight seal preventing water from entering thehole in sidewall 16 through which the first threaded end 70 of stud bolt12 is inserted. This seal further prevents water from getting betweenthe layers of the laminated sheet 24. As the inner nut 88 is tightened,the rigid washer 84 disperses the force across the compressible member86 thereby providing a broad, consistent and durable seal by dispersingthe force across a greater surface area. In one arrangement, a sealingmember 82 is also positioned on the interior surface 34 of sidewall 16as well in a similar if not identical manner as is described herein.However in many arrangements, when water is prevented from entering theexterior surface 32 of sidewall 16 it is unnecessary or of minimalbenefit to seal the interior surface 34 of the hole that receives studbolt 12 therein.

Also, as the inner nut 88 is tightened against the interior surface 34of sidewall 16, the compression between feature 74 and inner nut 88brings the layers of the laminated sheet into tight and rigid connectionwith one another. This increases the strength and rigidity of thesidewall 16.

When inner nut 88 and/or stud bolt 12 are tightened against one another,in one arrangement, the features 74 of stud bolt 12 and/or the rotationmember 76 of stud bolt 12 are used to hold the stud bolt 12 in place andprevent rotation as the inner nut 88 is installed on the first threadedend 70. Alternatively, when inner nut 88 and/or stud bolt 12 aretightened against one another, in one arrangement, the features 74 ofstud bolt 12 and/or the rotation member 76 of stud bolt 12 are used torotate the stud bolt 12 as the inner nut 88 is held in place.

This process of installing stud bolts 12 is repeated for all of the studbolts 12 that are used to attach stiffener 14 to sidewall 16 of grainbin 18.

Once the stud bolts 12 are installed on the sidewall 16 using inner nut88, stiffener 14 is installed on stud bolt 12. More specifically,stiffener 14 is inserted onto the second threaded end 72 of stud bolt 12that extends outward from the exterior surface 32 of sidewall 16. Thisis accomplished by placing the hole 60 of center wall 52 of stiffener 14over the second threaded end 72 of stud bolt 12. Once stiffener 14 isinstalled on stud bolts 12, outer nut 90 is threaded on the outward endof the second threaded end 72 of stud bolt 12. The outer nut 90 is thentightened against the exterior surface 48 of the center wall 52 of thestiffener 14 thereby forcing the interior surface 50 of the stiffener 14toward the exterior surface 32 of the sidewall 16.

Above step 40 between adjacent rings 36, as the outer nut 90 istightened, the outer nut 90 forces the interior surface 50 of stiffener14 into engagement with the feature 74 thereby forming a tightfrictional engagement between center wall 52 of stiffener 14 and thefeature 74 of stud bolt 12. In this position, the stiffener 14 istightly held in compression between the outer nut 90 and the feature 74.

Below step 40 between adjacent rings 36, as the outer nut 90 istightened, the outer nut 90 forces the interior surface 50 of stiffener14 toward feature 74, however when the distance “D” is greater than theamount of bend or flex that the stiffener 14 can provide, a gap is leftbetween the interior surface 50 of the stiffener 14 and the exterioredge of the feature 74. In this arrangement, as the feature 74 and thesealing member 82 have already formed a seal with the exterior surface32 of the sidewall 16, the gap does not present a water infiltrationproblem. That is, because the feature 74 and the sealing member 82 havealready formed a seal with the exterior surface 32 of the sidewall 16the exposed portion of stud bolt 12 between the interior surface 50 ofcenter wall 52 does not facilitate water to travel along the threads ofthe shaft of stud bolt 12 and into the grain bin 18 and/or between thelayers of laminated sheets 24. In addition, in this arrangement, thetorque applied to the outer nut 90 holds the stiffener 14 in rigidtension with the sidewall 16 thereby providing the desired enhancementin strength and rigidity to sidewall 16.

Another benefit to this assembly process is by inserting the stud bolts12 into the sidewall 16 and having the second threaded end 72 of studbolt 12 extend outward from sidewall 16 after stud bolt 12 is tightenedto sidewall 16 this facilitates easy hanging of the stiffener 14 ontothe second threaded ends 72. That is, because the stud bolts 12 arerigidly affixed to the sidewall 16 prior to the installation of thestiffener 14 this allows a user to align the holes 60 in the center wall52 of stiffener 14 with the second threaded ends 72 of stud bolts 12 andonce aligned slide the stiffener 14 onto the second threaded ends 72 ofstud bolts 12. Once the stiffener 14 is placed over the second threadedends 72 of stud bolts 12, the stud bolts 12 tend to hold the stiffener14 in place as the outer nuts 90 are installed. This eases theinstallation process by helping to facilitate alignment of the stiffener14 and by holding the stiffener 14 during installation. As such, in thisway, the use of stud bolts 12 eases and speeds the installation process.

This assembly process can be performed with conventional tools used byevery grain bin millwright. In addition, this process can be performedon practically any grain bin, new or existing.

From the above discussion it will be appreciated that the system ofconnecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin presented hereinimproves upon the state of the art.

Specifically, the system of connecting a stiffener to the sidewall of abin presented: prevents leaks; is easy to use; provides a seal againstthe exterior surface of the sidewall of the grain bin regardless whethera gap is present between the stiffener and the sidewall; has a longuseful life; is durable; is easy to manufacture; is relativelyinexpensive; has a robust design; is high quality; is easy to install;can be installed using conventional equipment and tools; reduces orprevents water from getting between layers of a laminated sidewall;reduces grain spoilage; reduces grain bin corrosion; reduces clumping ofgrain within a grain bin, among countless other advantages andimprovements.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other variousmodifications could be made to the device without parting from thespirit and scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and changesfall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be coveredthereby.

What is claimed:
 1. A grain bin system, comprising: a sidewall; thesidewall having an interior surface and an exterior surface; thesidewall formed of a plurality of sheets; a stiffener; the stiffenerhaving an interior surface and an exterior surface; the stiffenerextending a length; the stiffener connected to the exterior surface ofthe sidewall by a stud bolt; the stud bolt having a first threaded end,a second threaded end and a feature positioned between the firstthreaded end and the second threaded end; wherein the first threaded endof the stud bolt extends through the sidewall; wherein the secondthreaded end of the stud bolt extends through the stiffener; wherein thefeature of the stud bolt is positioned between the stiffener and thesidewall; a sealing member positioned between the feature of the studbolt and the exterior surface of the sidewall; wherein the sealingmember forms a seal with the exterior surface of the sidewall.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the plurality of sheets are formed of aplurality of layers positioned in overlapping condition with oneanother.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the sheets are corrugated. 4.The system of claim 1 wherein the feature of the stud bolt is a step, ashoulder, a flange, a hex head member, or a square head member.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the sidewall is formed of a plurality of ringsstacked on top of one another.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein thesealing member includes a washer.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein thesealing member includes a rigid washer and a compressible member.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1 further comprising an inner nut connected to the firstthreaded end of the stud bolt and tightened against the interior surfaceof the sidewall such that the sidewall is tightened between the featureof the stud bolt and the inner nut.
 9. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising an outer nut connected to the second threaded end of the studbolt and tightened against an exterior surface of the stiffener suchthat the stiffener is tightened to the sidewall.
 10. The system of claim1 wherein the stud bolt facilitates providing a seal between the featureand the exterior surface of the sidewall when a gap is present betweenthe exterior surface of the sidewall and the interior surface of thestiffener.
 11. The system of claim 1 further comprising a rotationmember positioned in an end of the stud bolt.
 12. The system of claim 1wherein the feature is a non-moveable part of the stud bolt.
 13. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the feature is formed as part of the studbolt.
 14. The system of claim 1 wherein the feature is movable along alength of the stud bolt.
 15. A grain bin system, comprising: acylindrical sidewall formed of a plurality of sheets aligned in aplurality of rings; a stiffener connected to an exterior surface of thesidewall; a stud bolt having a first threaded end, a second threadedend, and a feature positioned between the first threaded end and thesecond threaded end; wherein the first threaded end of the stud bolt isinserted through the sidewall; wherein the second threaded end of thestud bolt is inserted through the stiffener; a sealing member positionedbetween the feature and the sidewall; wherein when the stud bolt istightened against the sidewall the sealing member forms a seal againstthe sidewall.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein the sheets arecorrugated.
 17. The system of claim 15 wherein the sheets are formed ofa plurality of layers positioned in overlapping condition with oneanother.
 18. The system of claim 15 wherein the feature of the stud boltis a step, a shoulder, a flange, a hex head member, or a square headmember.
 19. The system of claim 15 wherein the sealing member is acompressible member.
 20. The system of claim 15 wherein the sealingmember includes a rigid washer and a compressible member.
 21. The systemof claim 15 further comprising an inner nut connected to the firstthreaded end of the stud bolt and tightened against the interior surfaceof the sidewall such that the sidewall is tightened between the featureof the stud bolt and the inner nut.
 22. The system of claim 15 furthercomprising an outer nut connected to the second threaded end of the studbolt and tightened against an exterior surface of the sidewall such thatthe sidewall is tightened between the feature of the stud bolt and theinner nut.
 23. The system of claim 15 wherein the stud bolt facilitatesproviding a seal between the feature and the exterior surface of thesidewall when a gap is present between the exterior surface of thesidewall and the interior surface of the stiffener.
 24. The system ofclaim 15 further comprising a rotation member positioned in an end ofthe stud bolt.
 25. A method of installing an external stiffener to asidewall of a grain bin, the steps comprising; providing a cylindricalsidewall formed of a plurality of sheets; providing a stud bolt having afirst threaded end, a second threaded end and a feature positionedbetween the first threaded end and the second threaded end; insertingthe first threaded end of the stud bolt through a hole in the sidewall;placing a sealing member between the feature of the stud bolt and thesidewall; tightening the first threaded end of the stud bolt therebyforming a seal between the sealing member and the sidewall; insertingthe second threaded end of the stud bolt through a hole in thestiffener; tightening the second threaded end of the stud bolt againstthe stiffener thereby affixing the stiffener to the sidewall. A methodof installing an external stiffener to a sidewall of a grain bin, thesteps comprising; providing a stud bolt having a first threaded end, asecond threaded end, and a feature positioned between the first threadedend and the second threaded end; placing a sealing member on the firstthreaded end of the stud bolt; inserting the first threaded end of thestud bolt through a hole in the sidewall; tightening the first threadedend of the stud bolt against the sidewall thereby forming a seal betweenthe sealing member and the sidewall; placing a stiffener over the secondthreaded end of the stud bolt; tightening the second threaded end of thestud bolt against the stiffener.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein thestep of tightening the first threaded end of the stud bolt against thesidewall is facilitated by placing an inner nut on the first threadedend of the stud bolt and tightening the inner nut against an interiorsurface of the sidewall.
 27. The method of claim 25 wherein the step oftightening the second threaded end of the stud bolt against the sidewallis facilitated by placing an outer nut on the second threaded end of thestud bolt and tightening the outer nut against an exterior surface ofthe stiffener.
 28. A system for sealing a grain bin, comprising: thegrain bin having a sidewall; the sidewall having an exterior surface andan interior surface; the sidewall having a hole; a stiffener; thestiffener having a hole; a stud bolt; the stud bolt extending a length;the stud bolt having a first threaded end and a second threaded end,wherein the first threaded end and second threaded end are opposite oneanother; the stud bolt having a feature positioned along the length ofthe stud bolt between the first threaded end and the second threadedend; wherein the first threaded end of the stud bolt extends through thehole in the sidewall of the grain bin; wherein the second threaded endof the stud bolt extends through the hole in the stiffener; wherein thefeature of the stud bolt is positioned between the stiffener and thesidewall; wherein the feature facilitates a seal between the stud boltand the exterior surface of the sidewall.
 29. The system of claim 28,further comprising a sealing member positioned between the feature andthe sidewall, wherein the sealing member seals against the exteriorsurface of the sidewall.
 30. The system of claim 28, further comprisinga sealing member positioned between the feature and the sidewall,wherein the sealing member includes a rigid washer and a compressiblemember; wherein the compressible member seals against the exteriorsurface of the sidewall.
 31. The system of claim 28, further comprisingan inner nut placed on the first threaded end of the stud bolt andtightened against the interior surface of the sidewall.
 32. The systemof claim 28, further comprising an outer nut placed on the secondthreaded end of the stud bolt and tightened against the exterior surfaceof the stiffener.